With the first soccer game less than two weeks away and the first football game three weeks away, Hellas officials are laying the artificial turf on Redskin Field. They began placing the turf down during the eight o'clock hour Thursday morning. As of Friday morning, half the field was covered. A south red endzone is in place. LHS athletic director Scott Hinkle says it's high time. "They (Hellas) are getting the message that it is becoming the bewitching hour," Hinkle said. "There's reasons which are beyond our control that the turf was late in being installed. Hellas Company has been unbelievable to work with. They've been out their working on the bleachers and working on the track."

Hinkle says the installers came to Liberal last week to roll out the artificial turf but the crushed rock wasn't in proper condition. "When the installers did come, they didn't like how the rock settled and how things were. Probably for our benefit they said they are not going to lay this carpet until the rock underneath it is correct. They've corrected that now."

The turf is expected to be installed by August 31. That will not include completion of the visitors' bleachers. But Hinkle expects that process to be swift. "The visitors' bleachers will go a lot quicker," Hinkle said. "They are working on those daily." The home bleachers have been completed.

Liberal's Poweraid and Towel Scrimmage Thursday will be played on the practice field east of Redskin Field at 6:00 PM. The soccer opener September 3 could be played on Redskin Field or at the Liberal Soccer Complex.